About
1,300 troops from 15 countries – including the US and other Nato
members – have begun a military exercise near Lviv in western Ukraine, BBC reports.
The US says the drill had been planned
before the current crisis in eastern Ukraine, where government forces
have been battling pro-Russian rebels.
Clashes have continued in eastern Ukraine, particularly around the city of Donetsk, despite a ceasefire deal.
Russia denies sending troops to aid the rebels, as alleged by Ukraine and Nato.
Over the weekend, Ukrainian Defence
Minister Valery Heletey said Nato countries had begun arming his nation
in the fight against the rebels.
He did not specify the type of weapons being delivered or name the countries involved.
A shaky ceasefire has been in place in eastern Ukraine since September 5.
Several NATO members have denied similar statements made in the past.
